How Do You Spell PSYCHIC EQUIVALENT?

1. Psychic equivalent refers to a concept within psychology that suggests the existence of a subconscious association between two or more ideas or stimuli, resulting in them being experienced or perceived as interchangeable or similar in the individual's mind. It is the psychological phenomenon of two objects, situations, or events being linked on an unconscious level and seen as having the same emotional significance or impact.

   This concept was introduced by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, who believed that the mind connects different thoughts or memories that share a common emotional charge. The term "psychic equivalent" implies that these associated ideas or stimuli become equivalent substitutes for one another in terms of their emotional effects or responses.

   For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may develop symptoms of anxiety or fear every time they encounter an object, situation, or even a specific smell associated with that trauma. In this case, the specific object or situation becomes a psychic equivalent of the original traumatic experience, elicitng a similar emotional response.

   Understanding psychic equivalents can help explain why individuals may react emotionally to certain triggers, even when those triggers are unrelated to the original traumatic event. By identifying the psychic equivalent, therapists can work towards understanding and treating the underlying emotional responses through techniques such as exposure therapy or desensitization.

2. A transitory mental obscuration manifested by amnesia, or fugue, sleep-walking, or the like, taking the place of an ordinary epileptic or hysterical attack.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PSYCHIC EQUIVALENT

The term "psychic" originates from the Greek word "psychikos", which means "of the soul" or "mental". It is derived from "psyche", which refers to the soul, mind, or spirit. "Psychic" is commonly used to describe phenomena or abilities that are beyond the scope of the physical world and related to the mind or soul.

The word "equivalent" comes from the Latin "aequivalentem", which means "equivalent" or "of equal value". It is formed from "aequus", meaning "equal", and "valere", meaning "to be worth" or "to be strong".

When combined, "psychic equivalent" refers to something that is of equal value or importance in the psychic or mental realm. It suggests that there is a counterpart or comparable entity related to the psychic domain.